How to Stay Warm at Home This Winter

Colder temperatures do not have to mean being uncomfortable at home. There are ways to increase your coziness by taking a few steps to prepare for winter.

Make Doors and Windows Shut Tightly

As cold weather approaches, make sure all of the windows and doors in your home are able to close completely. Some simple housekeeping can help your doors and windows attain a tighter seal. Clean debris from door thresholds, window sills, and tracks by using a portable vacuum or dry paintbrush. This will help create a tighter seal around windows and doors and keep cold air from leaking in.
Another way to keep cold air out is to install weather stripping on all doors and windows. If you already have weather stripping, make sure to check it to see if it needs to be reattached or replaced.

Install a New Furnace

When the days get shorter, the nights start to get colder. You notice the cold air right away when you go outside or even when you approach an outer wall of your home from the inside. This is the time of year when your furnace really gets put through its paces. Will it keep up? You should not have to live with cold spots in your home. If you are spending too much money on energy bills for mediocre heating performance it may be time for a new forced air furnace even though your current furnace has not completely quit. Installing a furnace for the upcoming cold weather can keep your home warm during winter and save you money on energy costs at the same time.

Harness the Power of Caulk

Never underestimate the power of a couple of tubes of caulk. A good application of caulk where it is needed around the outside of the house can keep you more comfortable during winter and keep money in your wallet. With caulk ready to dispense, go outside and inspect your windows. If you live in an older home there may be old caulk around the windows and trim that needs refreshing. If you have moved into a newer home there is the possibility that your window trim has not even been caulked. If this is the case, be sure to caulk all around the window trim so that water will not seep behind the trim boards and cause wood rot.

Extras That Make a Difference

Imagine if you left a window open throughout the winter. Think of the horribly chilly draft you would have! It is the same thing if you leave the damper open on your unused wood stove or fireplace. Make an extra effort to remember to close the damper in between uses and stay comfy. Adding a storm door to your front door can result in energy savings by functioning as an insulator between your door and the outside cold, sandwiching warmer air between it and decreasing the heat loss from the door by approximately 45 percent.

Each of these tips can save you money through reduced energy costs while keeping you comfortable. Taking a little thoughtful preparation for the cold weather season will increase your ability to stay toasty throughout the winter.